Watkins Nature Center offers nature-based programs for children, families, and adults.
This event runs from November 28 through January 1, from 5 pm-9:30 pm nightly. From the comfort of your own car, bring the family to experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights!
Ticket Price: $15+
Program Registration
To guarantee your spot within a program, advance registration is required for all programs with a PARKS DIRECT number. Drop-in admission (no registration) for programs are accepted only as space permits. Space availability is never guaranteed for drop-ins. Programs may be canceled 24-48 hours prior to the start of the program due to insufficient registrations via Parks Direct.
If you already have a PARKS DIRECT account, please register for programs via Parks Direct. Most of our programs allow for “spots booked” where only one person in the family needs to have an account to register for the total number of desired spots. However, for programs that do not allow for spots booked, each person desiring to attend the program must have their own Parks Direct account and be registered individually.
Don’t have an account yet? Check out the Parks Direct page for information on how to set up an account for yourself and your family.
For programs that do not have a Parks Direct course number, please call Watkins Nature Centerat 301-218-6702for information.
Program Requirements
Check the age requirements for each program before registering. All participants must meet the age requirement to attend a program. For some programs, children must be accompanied by a registered adult, who must participate in the program with the child. Unless a program says otherwise you may not drop your child off and leave.
Fees for programs are based on your residency.
Program Fees
Make sure that your email and other contact information is up-to-date on your Parks Direct account prior to registration. Staff may need to contact you if they have questions or in the event that a program must be canceled due to inclement weather or other reasons.
Puppet Friends in Storyland (Ages 2-3)
Enjoy a nature story time, and then join a naturalist as they led you through a nature themed craft! You and your students will join us twice each month for an interactive lesson with a hands-on activity.
Toddler Trail Time (ages 2-3)
Get out and take a hike with your toddler. Investigate the outdoors. Meet new friends as a naturalist leads you on a themed hike. Connect with nature and expose your little ones to the glories of the environment.
Make & Meet (ages 2-7)
Meet a critter and get crafty! Kids will enjoy an up close visit with a nature center animal and learn what makes them special. Discover how each animal is unique. Use what you have learned to create a craft about that animal.
Campfires (ages 2 & up)
Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows over a community campfire! Bring hotdogs, if you like! Start new friendships and make family memories. Patrons will be notified of weather-related cancellations.
Watkins Nature Center provides an array of nature-based programs students of all ages. Our goal is to connect students to their natural world and promote conservation and nature education.
How to Schedule
Advanced registration is required for all group programs. Programs are available Tuesday–Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm and are typically 45 minutes long. To better serve you and to ensure a quality experience please be advised that your program is only booked when you have received a confirmation email from the nature center. For any questions please contact the Watkins Nature Center.
Fees
Lunch Facilities
The nature center does not have eating facilities. You are welcome to bring your lunches and staff can reserve a picnic shelter for you nearby. Please be mindful that there is no eating or drink allowed inside the nature center.
Cancellation & Change Policy
48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or schedule changes. We will be glad to reschedule your program for a later date if possible. In the case of inclement weather or school closures, we will gladly work with you to reschedule.
Make a Reservation:
To make a reservation, please complete this form below:
Wild Things Birthday Party Package (Workshop Room)
Have your child’s birthday party at Watkins Nature Center! We provide the use of our workshop room for three hours, a 30-minute live animal show, and a coloring book for each child. You supply the food, decorations, and fun! A great package deal, that is suitable for ages two through twelve.
Parties include:
Birthday Package Fees (3 hours)
Wild Things Birthday Party Package:
*Proof of residency is required.
Make a Reservation
To make a reservation, please complete the form below.
To hold your reservation your full payment is due two weeks after receiving your party reservation.
To make a reservation, you must have a PARKS DIRECT account.
Make a Reservation:
To make a reservation, please complete this form below:
The auditorium room and adjacent kitchenette at Watkins Nature Center are available for rental for meetings, workshops/training, bridal showers and baby showers. The auditorium room seats 65 people comfortably with tables and chairs, 90 people with chairs, but no tables. The maximum capacity permitted is 90 people. A retractable wall-mounted projector screen is located at the end of the room and is available for use with all rentals (the renter must provide projection equipment). The room dimension is 32’ x 42’, and it comes equipped with 90 chairs and 14 tables (6’x30″).
The adjacent kitchenette features ample counter space, a double sink, refrigerator/freezer, and microwave (no stove or oven). Renters are permitted to use chafing dishes with canned gel fuel (sternos) in order to keep food warm.
The room is available for rent Tuesday-Saturday from 9 am-4 pm and Sunday from 9 am-3 pm. Room rental is subject to availability and must be reserved at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. Set up and clean-up time must occur within the reserved time frame.
*No children’s activities are permitted in the auditorium room, i.e. parties with food, crafts, etc. All rental activities must be approved by the facility director.
Hourly Rates:
To hold your reservation your security deposit and 1/2 your rental fee is due two weeks after booking. The final payment is due two weeks before your rental. To make a reservation, you must have a PARKS DIRECT account.
More info coming soon
More information coming soon.
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At Bladensburg Waterfront Park, we offer rental facilities for birthday parties, family reunions, weddings, meeting and more! We also get your equipped with recreational rental gear like kayaks, canoes, and bicycles! For more information, call (301) 779-0371.
Ropewalk Pavilion
The Ropewalk Pavilion is available for daily rentals and has approximately 24 picnic tables with a maximum seated capacity of 150 people. For information or to book the Ropewalk Pavilion, please call 301-779-0371 or come to the park office. Remember to bring a form of ID and payment.
Things to remember:
Fees:
Waterfront Studio
The Waterfront Studio is available to rent by the hour for meetings, gatherings, parties, programs, lectures/exhibits, and other elegant functions.
Things to Remember:
Hourly Fee Rates:
Minimum 4-hour rental on Saturdays and Sundays
Rental Requirements & Details:
Things to remember:
Canoe & Kayak Rates:
